Daily Tarot Card: VIII Strength

Card Number 8 of the Major Arcana suit. 

FIRST GLANCE
This one goes out to other Tarot card readers out there: Have you ever had a particular card that seems to follow you or your client in every reading? Well, the Strength card is one of the cards that always seems to pop up in my self-readings. The other one is Justice but we'll get to that another day. Another thing I find interesting is that this card is the card for the zodiac sign, Leo. I am a Leo and I was born in August, the 8th month, and both the day and year of my birth contain the number 8. I know very little about numerology but I do know that 8's in Tarot are considered "good cards."

The woman in the card is using her bare hands to keep a lion's mouth open. She actually has her fingers on top of the lion's teeth but her expression looks solemn without a trace of fear or worry. She is also wearing an orange and red flowing garment which gives the appearance of fire. There also seems to be an infinity sign above her head. 

Because I already know that this is the Leo card, it's obvious that a lion is going to be in it. The garment probably looks fiery because Leo is a fire sign. I believe this card is about finding the strength within you to conquer your fears. The feminist in me is proud to see that the Strength card features a woman and, no, she is not waiting for a man to save her from the lion but she fights it herself with her bare hands. She looks fearless but I think she probably is fighting her fear from within. I believe true strength and courage comes from not from the absence of fear but from conquering it.

Upright, I think this card shows that the client will be using their strength to face current or upcoming hardships. Reversed, the client may need strength and must find it so that s/he may be prepared for the struggles ahead. The infinity sign may represent how fear can seem to be endless but, when we search deep and realize the strength we have within, we can conquer with our bare hands.

BOOK MEANING
This card was once a card known as "merciless." The card represents human relationship ("domination") over the animal kingdom. The flowing robe represents purity and strength.

Upright Meaning
The client must use his/her strength be it physical if s/he suffers an illness or emotional strength if s/he is having emotional problems. The client must bring out his/her inner qualities of love, patience, and gentleness. Hardships and struggles are to be expected but the client should never give up. S/he must use their strength positively to overcome any obstacles. The problems the client may be having may not be as hard as s/he thinks they are. Find time to calm any worries, find a solution, and do not simply "walk away." Alternatively, if this card is next to any family cards, the client may be thinking of adopting a pet.

Reversed Meaning
The client or someone in the client's life is being cruel to animals or people. The client may be giving into his/her "basic harsh instincts." There may be abuse in a relationship or infidelity in a marriage.   

ANALYSIS & REFLECTION:
I didn't see the pet prediction coming, but since this card does symbolize human relationships with the animal kingdom, it does make sense. Reading the reversed meaning, I can see where the old "merciless" meaning came from. Although humans are blessed with a conscience, we do still have that basic instinct to "kill or be killed." Perhaps, not literally, but when someone hurts our pride, we have this instinct to strike back and destroy their pride just as much if not more than what they have done to our's. Doesn't the lion also symbolize pride? Also, in terms of the abuse and infidelity, this also points back to the our "basic animal instincts." This card may suggest a battle between the client's conscience and his/her worldly or animalistic desires such as lust.

I believe everyone has the ability to conquer the problems in their life. It really just takes a lot of meditation and/or prayer. We need to use our conscience to guide us and help us make the right decision. That's what separates us from the animal kingdom, our humanity and conscience and we must use that positively and fight against our basic animal instincts.

My advice for my readers today is to always think twice before attacking. Soothe your temper before you react and have the patience to see the problem from all perspectives. There is a solution but you may have to dig deep to find it. Meditate, reflect, or pray. You have been blessed with the knowledge and conscience to sort out any mess. You just need to be able to channel it positively in order to succeed. Do not easily give into blind anger or negativity. Be the hero of your life story and follow the light at the end of the tunnel no matter how small it may look. It might just be a lot closer than you thought.